The founder of the Wendell jewelry manufacturing firm, Charles Wendell (1832 – 1879) came to Chicago about 1860. He entered into the wholesale jewelry business establishing Wendell & Hyman, jewelry firm in Chicago, in 1864. The partnership lasted for about two decades.

Charles Wendell’s growing sons, Emanuel and Maurice, helped their father in the business, which motivated him to start his own company. Thus, in 1883, he founded his company “C. Wendell & Son” on manufacture of both jewelry and silverware.

After the death of Charles Wendell in 1879, Emanuel and Maurice Wendell took over the business in both jewelry and manufacturing silverware. They changed the name of the firm to Wendell & Co.

Maurice Wendell (1858 – 1922)

Maurice Wendell started business as a member of “C. Wendell & Son” in the 1880’s. Later he left them and became manager for the Aurora Watch Co. In 1890 he organized the Wendell Mfg. Co., Inc., under the laws of Illinois. His partner, David S. Simon purchased an interest in the firm of Wendell & Co., and stock in the corporation of the Wendell Mfg Co in 1894. He became an active partner in both concerns.

David Simon’s taking charge of the office management and accounts will give Mr. Wendell the time required for manufacturing interests. In February 1900, David Simon resigned as a shareholder and Maurice Wendell assumed sole control.

The company headed by president Maurice Wendell moved to 337 W. Madison St., Chicago in February 1909. While the company’s home office was in Chicago, it had for a number of years conducted a branch office in New York, and in 1913 opened office in Kansas City, Mo. He devoted most of his time to visiting his establishments in Chicago, New York and Kansas City.

New President, Emanuel V Wendell (1854 – 1926)

After the death of Maurice in 1922, Emanuel Wendell became president of Wendell & Co, jewelry manufacturers of Chicago and New York. By this time he was also managing the Western Watch Case Co., Chicago, which he and Max Mayer had founded. Both Wendell & Co. and Western Watch Case Co. continued to do business as usual.

Charles D. Ellbogen (1895 – 1991)

In September 1931, Stein & Ellbogen Co purchased Wendell & Co, and Charles D Ellbogen as president took over the company. Noteworthy, Wendell & Co continued to operate its two model shops, and both factories in New York and Chicago remained unchanged.

At this time, the company employed more than 250 people. They continued to specialize in fraternal jewelry, medals, rings, and pins, as well as special orders and repair work. Also, in 1941 Stein & Ellbogen Co acquired Graffe & Stanek and combined it with Wendell & Co. As a result of the merger, the Wendell company ceased to exist in 1954.

Ellbogen served his apprenticeship at Wendell & Co from 1914 to 1917, before joining the military. He followed in the footsteps of his father, Max Ellbogen, one of the founders of Stein & Ellbogen Co. However, his first association in the jewelry industry was with Wendell & Hyman in 1868.

Ads, Wendell & Co Jewelry (1883 – 1954)